abnormality

• What are the definitions of abnormality proposed by psychologists?

  1. Deviation from social norms
  2. Failure to function adequately
  3. Statistical infrequency
  4. Deviation from ideal mental health
• What does the definition of deviation from social norms imply?

  It implies that a person is abnormal if they fail to follow the rules or standards of society.
• Give an example of deviation from social norms.

  Washing hands more than 50 times a day is an example of deviation from social norms.
• What is a limitation of the deviation from social norms definition?

  It ignores the role of historical context, as social norms change over time.
• How can the definition of deviation from social norms be misused?

  It can be used by those in power to label and control individuals who disagree with societal norms.
• What is a cultural limitation of the deviation from social norms definition?

  Different cultures have different norms, leading to potential mislabeling of individuals as abnormal.
• What does the failure to function adequately definition state?

  A person is considered abnormal if they cannot cope with the demands of everyday life.
• What are some signs of dysfunction according to Rosenhan and Seligman?

  Signs include suffering, unpredictability, and observer discomfort.
• How do mental health professionals assess failure to function adequately?

  They use objective scales like the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF).
• What is a limitation of the failure to function adequately definition?

  It is difficult to determine who decides what constitutes adequate functioning.
• Why might someone with mental health issues still function adequately?

  Some individuals manage their symptoms and maintain reasonable functioning despite their issues.
• What does the statistical infrequency definition state?

  Behaviors that are statistically infrequent are regarded as abnormal.
• What is the assumption behind statistical infrequency?

  Behaviors are normally distributed, with most people falling around the mean.
• How many standard deviations from the mean are considered abnormal in statistical infrequency?

  Approximately 5% of the population falls 2 standard deviations from the mean.
• Give an example of a statistically infrequent behavior.

  Auditory hallucinations are considered statistically infrequent.
• What is a limitation of the statistical infrequency definition?

  Not all abnormal behaviors occur infrequently, such as depression.
• What is a problem with the inflexibility of the statistical infrequency definition?

  Some behaviors deemed abnormal may not fit within the 2.5% criteria.
• How is deviation from ideal mental health defined?

  Abnormal behavior is defined by how much it differs from ideal mental health.
• Who proposed the six criteria for ideal mental health?

  Marie Jahoda proposed the six criteria for ideal mental health.
• What are the six criteria for ideal mental health according to Jahoda?

  1. Accurate perception of reality
  2. Positive attitude towards oneself
  3. Environmental mastery
  4. Autonomy
  5. Resistance to stress
  6. Self-actualisation
• What is a limitation of Jahoda's definition of ideal mental health?

  It has problems with validity as no one achieves ideal mental health.
• Why is Jahoda's definition considered culturally specific?

  It is based on individualistic cultures and may not apply to collectivist cultures.
• What are the strengths of the definitions of abnormality discussed?

  • Objectivity and lack of bias in some definitions
  • Comprehensive coverage of various aspects of abnormality
  • Avoidance of value judgments about individuals